This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit ancientfutures.substack.comWho are we really, beyond our ideas about ourselves and the world? After more than half a century as a Buddhist practitioner, Kamalashila (Anthony Matthews) reflects on his life and impending death – he was recently told he had four months to live.As he wrote back in April: “What is happening to me happens to everyone and it will happen to you, so think about that too and practice some dharma.” Our conversation explores what this means from a range of perspectives, drawing inspiration from a lifetime of inquiry. Among many other topics, we discuss:* His early experience of insight through LSD* Encountering Buddhism and meeting his teacher* The benefits of celibacy and living off-grid as a hermit* Some of the drawbacks to “Western Buddhism”* Fear of death, and how to alleviate itIn passing, we mention an essay by Kamalashila (“My Dharma Life”, posted here), and criticisms of his teacher, Sangharakshita (on which more here). There’s an overview of Triratna, formerly the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order, on his website. And if you’ve never heard of Suella Braverman, here’s some context.🕉️ To explore yogic wisdom in depth, join me online for The Path of Knowledge.🙏 Please consider supporting the podcast as a subscriber, or buy me a coffee... All donations are greatly appreciated!
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